The Aylmer Fair may be one day shorter than in previous years, but organizers say it still attracts enthusiastic crowds.
“We're finding the crowds are just as good in three days as they used to be in four,” said Elaine Earhart, secretary manager of the Aylmer Fair, which opens Friday and runs until Sunday.
Earhart said fair administration has noticed the shorter fair is also not as strenuous on its volunteers.
“The people are not so tired after three days,” she noted.
Attendance at the fair has been approximately 5,000 the last few years, Earhart said.
The fairgrounds open Friday at 10 a.m. but the Aylmer Fair formal events start off with the crowning of the ambassador, Friday at 7 p.m. during the opening ceremonies.
It's followed by mini chuckwagon races, Friday evening.
“They're more for fun that competition,” Earhart advised.
Saturday is the fair's biggest day, Earhart explained and it revolves around a motor madness theme.
Starting at 2 p.m. are the demolition derby heats, leading up to the tractor pull at 7:30 p.m.
“The demo day is just a crazy day,” Earhart said. “It has proven to be our best day.”
Some of the bigger attractions Sunday include a baby show starting at 12:30 p.m.
“Last year, we had 60 babies entered,” Earhart said.
Filling up Sunday afternoon will be Dotsy the Clown, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Val the Snake Lady, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.; the Jeff West Hypnosis Experience, 2 p.m.; Princess Cinderella and Beauty, 3 p.m.; pizza eating contest, 3:30 p.m.; and Liz Underhill performing country music and comedy, 4 p.m.
Agricultural events at the fair include an Elgin County Holstein club event Friday at 7 p.m.; a 4H sheep show Sunday at 10:30 a.m.; and Elgin County 4H Interclub Dairy Show, Saturday at 10 a.m.
All weekend long, the Campbell Amusements midway will be in high gear.
For a full list of fair events, visit the website at aylmerfair.ca.